Pipelayer Kit

VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer Kit

A mid-range pipelayer that is economical to purchase and designed for ease of operation and service, lifting 90,000 lb (40,820 kg) on the proven Caterpillar D7G Series 2.

Base machines: Caterpillar D7G Series 2

VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer Kit
Lift capacity (ISO 8813)90,000 lb / 40,820 kg
Operating weight65,940 lb / 29,910 kg
EngineCat 3306, 202 net hp
Altitude without derate4,100 m / 13,450 ft

Overview

PipeLine Machinery International (PLM) developed the VP 72Gs2 to enhance its pipelayer offerings. With the support of Caterpillar and the engineering expertise of Vanguard Equipment Inc., the challenge was met to create a mid-range pipelayer that is economical to purchase and designed for ease of operation and service.

The VP 72Gs2 combines the proven capabilities of the Caterpillar D7G Series 2 base tractor with Vanguard's expertise in sideboom systems. Vanguard has many years' experience with pipelayer design and the manufacture of hydraulic pipelayer attachments and welding systems for Caterpillar and PLM. PLM presents the VP 72Gs2 — Caterpillar quality without compromise.

Pipelayer components

Winches

Boom and hook drawworks are driven by independent hydraulic winches with oil-disc brakes. Modular design for fast replacement, easy field service and testing. Infinitely variable speed controls, emergency quick-drop on the load line, and an independent manual external brake release for lowering the load if the engine or hydraulics are inoperable.

Boom

6.1 m (20 ft) boom with large box section is standard. Replaceable boom-mount bearings, high-tensile steel construction, lightweight for increased payload and durable for long life.

Blocks & hook

Heavy-duty, serviceable hook and boom blocks; forged hook with latch and serviceable handle; ductile iron sheaves; high-performance cable for flexibility, strength and crush resistance.

Counterweight

Extended hydraulically for better load balance and clearance, and sculpted to fit over the track for ease of shipment. Integrated counterbalance valves in the cylinders prevent unwanted extension, especially during transport, and a manual mechanical safety lock adds restraint for secure transportation.

Drawbar

Robust tow bar accommodates a wide range of attachments; solid frame-bolted design for train attachment or anchor-tractor use.

Power train

The Caterpillar D7G Series 2 track-type tractor is the base of the VP 72Gs2. It is powered by the Cat 3306 direct-injection, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine.

  • Six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel delivering 150 net flywheel kW (202 net flywheel hp) at 2,000 rpm.
  • Direct injection controls fuel consumption for good productivity per unit of fuel burned.
  • Optimum weight-to-horsepower ratio to minimize cycle times.
  • Maintains specified power up to 4,100 m (13,450 ft) altitude without de-rating.

Clutch, brakes and controls

  • Hydraulically actuated, multiple-disc oil steering clutches require no adjustment.
  • Oil-cooled, hydraulically boosted contracting band brakes; clutch and brakes serviced as a complete unit.
  • Handle levers on the operator's left combine steering-clutch disengagement and braking in one control; direction and speed control is located close by.
  • Pipelayer controls can be operated with one hand for enhanced comfort and precise, simultaneous positioning of load line and boom.

Undercarriage

  • Reinforced box-section construction in the track roller frame; lifetime-lubricated rollers.
  • 6 track rollers and 2 outside-mounted carrier rollers per side; fixed track frames ensure rigid stability for lifting.
  • 610 mm (24 in) single grouser shoe; sealed and lubricated links eliminate internal bushing wear.
  • 2-piece master links for easy track removal; hydraulic track adjusters; segmented sprocket sections.

Safety features

  • Independent hydraulic winches for boom and hook.
  • Oil-disc brakes with positive retention of boom and hook positions.
  • Infinitely variable speed controls for boom and hook.
  • Emergency free-fall function on load-line control.
  • Independent manual external brake release for lowering the load if the engine or hydraulics are inoperable.

Specifications

Weights and lifting

ItemMetricStandard
Maximum lift capacity40 820 kg90,000 lb
Operating weight (with boom and blocks)29 910 kg65,940 lb
Shipping weight (with boom and blocks)29 593 kg65,240 lb
Weight of 6.1 m (20 ft) boom1 174 kg2,585 lb
Weight of blocks (luff + load + hook + pins)234 kg515 lb
Wire rope diameter19.05 mm0.75 in
Minimum breaking strength of wire rope261.56 kN58,800 lb
Load line / boom line4 part / 4 part
Mass of extended counterweight6 015 kg13,260 lb
Maximum fore-and-aft slope45° (100 % grade)

Dimensions

Ref.DimensionMetricStandard
ATrack gauge1 981 mm78 in
BWidth of tractor, 610 mm (24 in) shoes2 591 mm102 in
CWidth of tractor, boom removed3 658 mm144 in (12 ft)
DWidth of tractor, counterweight extended5 454 mm214.7 in
EMachine height, tip of grouser to top of winch2 819 mm111 in
FDrawbar height to center of clevis540 mm21.25 in
GLength of track on ground2 718 mm107 in
HOperating length with drawbar4 623 mm182 in (15 ft 2 in)
IHeight to top of exhaust stack3 050 mm120 in (10 ft)
JGrouser height84 mm3.3 in
KGround clearance (SAE J1234)349 mm13.7 in
LBoom height, tip of grouser at 1.22 m (4 ft) overhang6 833 mm269 in (22 ft 5 in)

Winches

ItemHook winchBoom winch
Drum diameter254.0 mm / 10.0 in215.9 mm / 8.5 in
Flange diameter482.6 mm / 19.0 in406.4 mm / 16.0 in
Drum length431.8 mm / 17.0 in254.0 mm / 10.0 in
Capacity, 19.05 mm (3/4 in) rope124.0 m / 407 ft51.8 m / 170 ft
Line speed, bare drum, high (no load)91.4 m/min / 300 ft/min73.4 m/min / 241 ft/min
Line speed, bare drum, low (no load)47.2 m/min / 155 ft/min

Engine

ItemSpecification
Engine modelCat 3306 direct injection, turbocharged, aftercooled
Net flywheel power150 kW / 202 hp at 2,000 rpm
Cylinders6, four-stroke
AltitudeSpecified power maintained to 4,100 m (13,450 ft)

Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice. Refer to the brochure and Operator & Maintenance Manual for complete data.

Downloads

  • VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer brochure — English (8 pages)Product brochure
    PDF
  • VP 72Gs2 铺管机 brochure — Chinese (8 pages)Product brochure
    PDF

Operator & Maintenance Manuals

  • VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer Attachment Kit041-08OP-001C · D7G Series II
    PDF

Made under license from Caterpillar, Inc. Cat and Caterpillar are registered trademarks of Caterpillar, Inc. All marks are used with permission of Caterpillar.